Fixing a cracked phone screen yourself may not seem too hard, especially when you watch those DIY YouTube or TikTok videos where so-called amateurs mount a camera on their desk tripod and make everything look super easy. However, almost every mainstream smartphone is extremely difficult to repair.
In theory, you can fix your cracked phone screen at home by getting an all-in-one repair kit that comes with a comprehensive instruction manual. But there are risks at every step that could either damage your phone further or make it entirely useless.
Generally speaking, to fix the cracked screen, you would first have to open your smartphone’s back or front panel, then carefully detach the current screen, being careful of adhesives and ribbon cables along the way, attach the new screen, and seal the phone properly. If all goes well, it’s as good as new. But it’s just as easy to make things even worse.
One small mistake can turn a cracked screen into a dead phone
Some of the potential pitfalls to avoid include broken glass (obviously), ribbon cables, and avoiding damage to other components inside the phone. Throughout the process, steady hands and patience are the key. Any sudden or non-calculated hand movements might press the tweezers or the screwdriver against the motherboard or, even worse, the battery.
The cable ribbons or connectors inside our phones are very delicate as well. Pulling or pressing them too hard could break them. While reattaching the new screen, you have to make sure that everything (the connectors, screws, and other exposed components) is in its place before you glue the back panel or the display. You’d also have to ensure that there aren’t any dust particles around — and certainly not under the new screen that you just installed — or else they could show up as visible spots or bumps on the screen.
Even if you somehow succeed at replacing the cracked screen, you may end up losing water resistance (or the IP rating). Furthermore, opening up your smartphone at home may void the manufacturer’s warranty. If any of this has given you pause, you may want to explore other repair options.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
